Some Newb questions...

[Revrend]

My buddy just picked up an 01 Explorer Sport 2WD. He plans to put over 3000 miles a month on it as the truck will be used for work. We have to carry a lot of tools and such in our cars, so he has put down the rear seats for more room.

Would he want to put a strut bar in the back to replace the rigidity the seats might have added?
Squeaks and rattles...is there a list of the main ones, and fixes for them?
Body lifts-reliable enough to handle the high mileage?
Is there a good place to order front push bars, and matching tail light guards?
Same ? towards light covers...

I think that's all he was wanting to know... I'll be around ( =

 

[MONMIX]

Being a full frame vehicle I don't think removing the seats will effect the rigity too terribly.
Explorer Express is a sponcer of this web site so we encourage you to visit them for all your acessory needs.
Ex's get realitivly crummy gas milage reguardless.

Welcome to the site,
Don't be a stranger

 

[jayhawkexplorer]

I'd ask, first of all, why in the world are you using an Explorer for a work truck? Why not a pickup?

If its a work truck, why bother with brush/taillight guards? Anyway, if you want them, check out explorerexpress.com and also, bestdarnparts.com.

You're going to be spending a ton of money on gas, figure around 300-350 miles per tank at the MOST.

Finally, I wouldn't think that the rear seats add any kind of structural rigidity. Its just some bolts into the floor, Ford couldn't count on them to strengthen the frame. And its a really really strong frame to begin with.

 

[Hokie]

You're going to be spending a ton of money on gas, figure around 300-350 miles per tank at the MOST.

Explorer Sport ~ 315 miles is the MOST that I have ever pushed on a tank

 

[funnyperson1]

Body lifts-reliable enough to handle the high mileage?

I haven't heard of many around here having reliability problems with body lifts.

Just tell your friend to be careful around sharp curves at high speeds because the higher COG would increase the probability of a tipover. If he does do a body lift it might be a good idea to install an anti-sway bar which would improve handling dramatically.

 

[Revrend]

I'd ask, first of all, why in the world are you using an Explorer for a work truck? Why not a pickup?

If its a work truck, why bother with brush/taillight guards? Anyway, if you want them, check out explorerexpress.com and also, bestdarnparts.com.

You're going to be spending a ton of money on gas, figure around 300-350 miles per tank at the MOST.

Finally, I wouldn't think that the rear seats add any kind of structural rigidity. Its just some bolts into the floor, Ford couldn't count on them to strengthen the frame. And its a really really strong frame to begin with.

Work = Installing wireless networks. Lots of gear that we have to carry, but it MUST remain dry. It's also pretty pricey so it's better to have it in something easier to protect then a truck bed.

As to modding a work truck...well...he still has to be drive it daily, so might as well drive it how you like it, right?

For the gas...aint no thang, so to speak. Company gas card, we don't pay for any of that. Some people even drive RV's and get like 8MPG, no complaints from the company yet.

I haven't heard of many around here having reliability problems with body lifts.

Just tell your friend to be careful around sharp curves at high speeds because the higher COG would increase the probability of a tipover. If he does do a body lift it might be a good idea to install an anti-sway bar which would improve handling dramatically.

Thanks for the tips, I will let him know those things.

Thanks to the other guys for the other comments/links as well.

 

[Alec]

Ok, so mileage isn't an issue.

The seats aren't an issue.

However, I'd lean more towards a suspension lift 1) a mild 2" on is cheaper and easier than a body lift. 2) you could all more load carrying capability to the rear 3) should improve handling, not detract from it.

Having used mine as a work truck, they work well. But sometimes you have to get creative packing stuff in. If he not only carries small tools, but also large components I recommend making a false floor with drawers to make it easier and more efficient.